Imperial Era

Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. — Matthew 5:14

The Imperial Era is the penultimate Age that can be accessed by players in Rise of Kings. Representing the late Mediaeval or even the Post-Mediaeval era, it is characterised by the following:

The development of firearms and naval forces which foreshadow the emergence of modern military forces, tactics and strategy.

Exploration and the creation of overseas colonies to feed into a nation's livelihood and defence capabilities

The centralisation of government and the emergence of new bureaucracies in the face of the breakdown of the feudal system.

The increase in the importance of secular learning and education.

Knowledge becomes an important source for many powers, as it is required for the creation of gunpowder units and (for those with a liberal disposition) the Brig, the fastest warship in the entire game.